We gather in the morning to travel to the Port of Calais, where our coach will be driven onto the ferry or Eurotunnel to cross the English Channel. We arrive in the South of England in the afternoon and continue to enjoy the drive across the beautiful countryside as we head into the European metropolis, London.
Hotel: 3 ★★★ in London (zone 3/4)
Example: Holiday Inn London Brentford Lock, London Ibis Wembley
For reference only- subject to availability
Special Notice: Channel Crossing is subject to a Ferry Terminal Tax of €10 per person to be paid upon joining the tour. (children are subject to same fee, infants are free)
Day 2
Sunday - London
We start the morning with a well-paced London Historical Walking Tour which will accompany you to see the London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, St James’ Park, Buckingham Palace and the River Thames.
In the afternoon, we will visit the famous British Museum before taking lunch in the city centre with plenty of choices whether China Town or Little Italy.
On our way back, we pass Tower Bridge and Tower of London, a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. It has played a prominent role in English history and served as palace, arsenal, treasury, and even a prison. It is home to the Royal Mint, Crown Jewels of England and having survived many bloody battles and outlived many British Monarchs.
We stay overnight in London, where you can experience the dazzling night scene, or head for a Thames Cruise or West end musical with a group of friends.
Hotel: 3 ★★★ in London (zone 3/4)
Example: Holiday Inn London Brentford Lock, London Ibis Wembley
For reference only- subject to availability
Day 3
Monday - London – Cambridge – York
After breakfast, it is time to visit the national educational treasure: Cambridge University. In addition to a strong academic atmosphere, Cambridge is the spiritual home of many dignitaries who started their dreams and hopes for the future amid the pastoral landscapes, picturesque rivers and imposing architecture.
We proceed our journey to York, a medieval melting pot of Roman, Saxon and Viking culture. The city is mostly kept immaculate from the middle ages and shows the agricultural heritage of Britain. We visit York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe. Then we will step up onto York city walls dating back to Roman times. For those keen to buy local produce and craftworks, there will be time to wander around.
Hotel: 3 ★★★ in York or nearby city.
Example: Holiday Inn Harrogate, Blackwell Grange Hotel
For reference only- subject to availability
Day 4
Tuesday - York – Edinburgh – Glasgow
After leaving York, Edinburgh is next on our places to visit. We are expected to arrive in Edinburgh in the afternoon.
Edinburgh is Scotland’s compact, hilly capital. It represents the best in Highlander heritage: Wood barrows of golden single malt whisky, checkered kilts and Scottish bag pipes will make you grow fond of this warm and lively nation of friendly characters.
Upon arrival, we set foot on the stunning view of volcanic rock structures to climb to Edinburgh Castle, where once inside, we will admire the oldest of royal crown and jewellery. This royal trail is continued with a visit to Holyrood Palace and City Hall. During free time, our Tour Manager can show you the now infamous Ivory Café where JK Rowling penned the Harry Potter books over cups of coffee.
Hotel: 3 ★★★ in Glasgow or nearby city.
Example: Days Inn Darlington M74, Holiday Inn Express Glasgow City Riverside
For reference only- subject to availability
Day 5
Wednesday - Glasgow – Gretna Green – Lake District – Manchester
In the morning, we drive straight to Lake District, west to the north of England.On our way, we will stop by Gretna Green, a village made famous for its ‘runaway marriages’ since 1754. Due to its romantic wedding traditions dating back over centuries, Gretna Green is one of the world’s most popular wedding locations.
After that our coach continues on to the Lake District. The Lake District National Park is the most cherished and popular national park in the United Kingdom. Each year tens of thousands of visitors choose this destination to hike and admire the thousands of years of geological changes reflected in the picturesque lakes, rolling valleys, mountain tops. Here, you can opt to join a boat cruise on Lake Windermere, or enter into the World of Beatrix Potter.
Our next stop will be Manchester, the no. 2 capital of England; fashionable, buzzing and dynamic, this city is not only well known for being home to Manchester United, but also launched musical international superstars, Robbie Williams, Oasis and Take That.
Football fans can visit Manchester United Old Trafford grounds upon arrival, while foodies can pick a scrumptious but cheap meal in nearby Chinatown.
Hotel: 3 ★★★ in Manchester or nearby city.
Example: Holiday Inn Express Manchester East, Nototel Manchester West
For reference only- subject to availability
Day 6
Thursday - Manchester – Stratford-upon-Avon – Bicester Village – London
A breath-taking drive will take us to the famous English playwright and poet William Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon. A desirable location which was also the back drop of Hollywood blockbuster movie – ‘Shakespeare in Love’. From the cobble-stoned streets to the drinking holes, theatres and road signs, everything breathes and lives Shakespeare. It is a heaven for romantics at heart.
Next on our schedule is the UK's must-visit designer outlet mall, Bicester Village. Once, our tour group even spotted the Duchess of Cambridge shopping here with her younger sister. With over 130 designer labels in fashion, sporting goods, jewellery, household items and children’s clothing from the likes of Gucci, Armani, Prada, Calvin Klein, Dunhill, DKNY, Burberry, Paul Smith, Bally, Clarks and more.
We can guarantee this is a great place to go gift hunting before we go back to cosmopolitan (and expensive!) London.
Day 7
Friday - London – Paris
Today we will drive back to the English Channel Crossing. The leisurely journey from England to France will take approximately 1.5 hours. We make our way back to Paris, whilst taking regular stopovers for lunch and toilet breaks, and aim to be in Paris by around dinner time.
Hotel accommodation not provided on the departure day of the tour.
Special Notice: Channel Crossing is subject to a Ferry Terminal Tax of €10 per person to be paid upon joining the tour. (children are subject to same fee, infants are free)
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